Words by Helena Nicklin
What have Harry Styles, Robbie Williams and Rasteau AOC wine got in common?
You may have seen our One Minute Wine Ace piece on Côtes du Rhône recently, which likens this much-loved, southern French blend to a famous boy band, where each grape brings a particular personality to the mix. Well if Côtes du Rhône is the One Direction or Take That of wine, then Rasteau AOC is Harry Styles or Robbie Williams; the charismatic one gone solo to forge a brilliant career of their own.
Located in the south-facing hills of France’s southern Rhône Valley, Rasteau was one of the 22 named villages forming part of the acclaimed ‘Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC’ appellation until its status was promoted further in 2010, elevating it to ‘Cru’ status with an AOC in its own right. AOC stands for Appellation d’Origine Controllée, which is a wine producing area with strictly controlled rules aimed at preserving quality. AOC is a step up from being a single part of Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC and Rasteau winemakers are deservedly very proud of their burgeoning solo career.
What is Rasteau AOC wine like? Christmas cake in a glass!
AOC Rasteau is for red, still wines only from approved parcels of vines. These reds are full-bodied and rich with concentrated bramble fruit, violet and cooking spice aromas and flavours along with spirity, dried fruit notes. They must be made with at least 50% Grenache which thrives in the poor soils of Rasteau, especially from the old vines there. Syrah and Mourvedre must also form at least part of the blend, but not more than 50%. Other southern French varieties such as Carignan may also be added to the blend for structure too.
It’s an appellation to get to know because it’s from that beautifully reliable part of France that makes rich, but not over-blown reds that are very accessible; a region for ‘every day hedonists’ like us, with wines that drink well when young, vibrant and fruity as well as being able to age impressibly well. The same can be said for Harry Styles, in case you were wondering.
Rasteau Wine Food Match
The rollicking reds of Rasteau were made to go with food. They love it and are so versatile! Whether it’s meat, from game to beef stew, cheese, cold cuts, grilled veg or even, dark chocolate fondant and lightly spiced Asian cuisine, Rasteau can handle a lot of flavours.
Why do I think Rasteau is sweet wine?
A fair question, as sweet wines in Rasteau go back a long way! In the 18th century, when the area under vine here was the largest in the Vaucluse, naturally sweet wines were the order of the day though there were dry wines too. After the phylloxera epidemic which decimated vineyards, Rasteau winemakers went back to producing naturally sweet wines, a.k.a. Vins Doux Naturels, or VDNs around 1935. You may also have heard of AOC Rasteau Rancio; a sticky brown VDN that has been exposed to oxygen and light in wooden barrels for up to two years. This new wave of post-war, sweeter wines were lauded enough to be granted their own AOC status while the dry wines of the village itself continued simply as part of the Côtes du Rhône appellation. It wasn’t until 1966 that the dry, still, red wines began to catch up, being elevated to ‘Côtes du Rhône Villages’ status, before earning their AOC ‘Cru’ status just ten years ago in 2010, effective from the 2009 vintage.
Is Rasteau wine expensive?
The beauty of Rasteau is that it can feel hedonistic and indulgent, but doesn’t have to break the bank. You can get some very drinkable, easy-going Rasteau wines from around £10 but equally, if you want to go more premium for a special occasion or a gift, there are some seriously smart ones too. Below is a selection of hand-picked Rasteaus (Rasteaux?!) that cover all bases. Pop the cork and pour yourself a slice of Christmas cake...
Rasteau Tasting Tour
Domaine Escaravailles ‘La Ponce’, Rasteau 2017
A fabulously rich, fruity and well-structured wine with spice and a good bit of age on it. For the price, it’s a steal! Quite high in alcohol, so definitely one for those wintery meat stews or roast beef.
Find it for £9.99 from The Wine Society
M. Rasteau, Chapoutier, 2019
A youthful, concentrated and relatively simple red (in a good way), with vibrant forest fruit notes and a hint of spice. Lovely alone or with charcuterie and cheese.
Find it for £13.78 from gourmethunters.com
Rasteau 'L'Andéol', Famile Perrin, 2017
Made from 70-year-old vines by arguably the most famous family in the Rhone Valley, the Grenache and Syrah shine here with notes of dried herbs, dark plum and some ripe red fruit. Voluptuous and silky, this stands out in its price range. Another big food wine or one for by the fire.
Find it for £14.99 (mix six price) at Majestic
Chateau de la Gardine, Rasteau 2017
The one in the very quirky bottle! No, your eyes do not deceive you and neither will your palate. Big, bold and well-structured, this wine is showing its tannins, which are softening beautifully with age. Leathery and peppery, with notes of dark cherry, damson and violet, I’d have it with cheese or meat and get it in a decanter to air for a while before drinking. You will be rewarded!
Find it for £17.95 from Gerrard Seel
Domaine La Luminaille, Rasteau ‘Luminaris’, 2017
Find it for £19.99 from winebuyers.com